Mission StatementTo eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is: A world without Alzheimer's disease.

MissionTo eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is: A world without Alzheimer's disease.

Impact

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. We are the world's largest funder of Alzheimer's research, and the nonprofit with the highest impact worldwide. We provide Alzheimer's care, support and education online, on the phone and communities nationwide.

Since 1981, the Greater Richmond Chapter has served families, friends, caregivers and all those suffering from dementia in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Middle Peninsula, Northern Neck and the Tri-Cities areas.

The Alzheimer’s Association provides five core services:

Information & Referral, including a free 24/7 helpline;

Education for family and professional caregivers and for the community;

Care Consultations - in person which includes development of a Plan of Care;

Safety programs for persons with dementia who wander;

Monthly support groups.

Last year, the Chapter served over 10,000 persons affected by dementia.

Needs

Volunteer! Attend an orientation, held quarterly. To register contact Fran Foster at 804 967-2580 or ffoster@alz.org

Invite us to speak at your church, civic group or business. We offer lunch-n-learns or programs such as “Know the 10 Signs” or "Living with Alzheimer's" Contact Tina Thomas at 804-967-2580 or tthomas@alz.org

BackgroundThe Alzheimer's Association Greater Richmond Chapter was established in 1981 with the organization of a single family support group and became a Chapter of the National Alzheimer's Association in 1983. In its beginning, the Chapter was composed exclusively of dedicated volunteers. Over the years, the Chapter has grown to include three branch offices in Fredericksburg, Gloucester, and Tri-Cities and a headquarters office in Richmond.

Tremendous Chapter growth occurred as awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and the existence of local services grew. The number of support groups increased, helpline coverage expanded, safe return education was created, educational programs expanded, and public policy advocacy increased.

As the Greater Richmond Chapter continues to grow, it remains dedicated to research for the prevention, cure, and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, education of professionals and the general public regarding the nature of the disease, and provision of support and assistance to those with the disease and their families. Our mission will continue to coincide with that of the national association through research, education, advocacy, and services to patients and families.

On July 1, 2016 the Greater Richmond Chapter merged into the National Alzheimer's Association and we are part of a single 501c3 organization. Operating as a single, larger, unified organization is necessary in order for the organization to achieve our goals and maximize our outcomes for the people we serve.

CEO Statement

Dear Friends of the Alzheimer’s Association,

More than 26,000 individuals in our chapter area have Alzheimer’s and for each of them there are two, three or more family members or friends who are affected. Every 66 seconds someone develops Alzheimer’s and when he or she does, the whole family is affected. We serve these individuals and families through our five core services: information and referral, education, support groups, care consultation and safety programs, including MedicAlert® and Safe Return.

We are only

We cannot do it without your ongoing support. Thank you for all you do!

The tables below contain information about other groups that advise this nonprofit on operations and projects.

Comments

Ms.Advisory Councils are present in each branch area - Tri-Cities, Fredericksburg and Middle Peninsula/Northern Neck. Please contact the office for a current list (804 967-2580). Each branch Advisory Council has a representative on the Board.

Executive Director

Executive DirectorMs. Marie D. Kolendo

Experience

Marie Kolendo joined th Assocaition as CEO in July of 2015.

Marie served on the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Richmond Board from July 2006 through December 2014 serving the Association in various capacities, including Board Chair and Treasurer, as well as positions with the Finance Committee,Program Committee, and Development Committee.

She has also served as the Board representative at the Alzheimer’s Association Delegate Assembly and has been very engaged in advocacy; most recently serving as an Alzheimer’s Ambassador to Senator Tim Kaine.

Kolendo spent 16 years at Genworth in various positions; most recently serving as Vice President of Long Term Care In Force Management where she provided leadership in the development and implementation of analytical models to evaluate trends in the Company's insurance population and identified opportunities to improve performance.

Her other positions at Genworth included: Chief Risk Officer – Long Term Care, and Controller – Long Term Care.

Prior to Genworth, Kolendo was controller at Connectool/Paladin Tools and an auditor with Ernst and Young. She received a B.S. in Accounting from Virginia Commonwealth University; an M.B.A. from Averett University.

Organization CommentsFY17 will be a year of investment in the Greater Richmond Chapter to support future growth of programs and services. The Board has approved use of a portion of the Chapter's reserves in FY17 to fund this investment. This will enable the Association to our work in providing care and support for all those impacted.